The State of Aging in the Valley
Published: Oct.16, 2017
By Kathy Ritchie, Carrie Jung, Matthew Casey, Rodrigo Cervantes, Annika Cline, Christina Estes, Stina Sieg, Will Stone
Arizona has long been a destination for older Americans with its pristine retirement communities. But aging in America isn’t what it used to be. It’s expensive and sometimes isolating. This series aims to explore the reality of an aging society. The aging issue isn’t going away — so let's talk about it.
Listen to the full State of Aging in the Valley series
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Jackie Hai/KJZZTen thousand Americans are turning 65 every day and the people who traditionally take care of them is changing. Forty million men are taking care of their aging loved ones, according to AARP. As the population continues to age, more male caregivers will tackle what was traditionally a woman's role. -
(Photo by Carrie Jung - KJZZ)For people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, short-term memory fades first. While this may not seem like the best time in a person’s life to start learning a new skill, researchers at the Mayo Clinic are realizing that learning a new procedure or habit could have long-term benefits for patients as their dementia progresses.
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(Photo by Jackie Hai - KJZZ)Her hands may shake, but Arminda Perez-Castillo is still very good with a kitchen knife. -
Rodrigo CervantesAccording to data, Mexico City has about 70,000 inhabitants suffering dementia, but the number could increase to 3.7 million by 2050. -
Jackie Hai/KJZZMeet three women over 55 who can do things like touch their toes and stand on their shoulders. That’s because they regularly do yoga. Here are their reflections on healthy aging. -
(Photo by Christina Estes - KJZZ)It used to be 65 was the magic number for many American workers to retire. Now, with more people living longer, the number isn’t so firm.
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(Photo by Jackie Hai - KJZZ)Senior housing is, and will continue to be a complex issue. There’s not enough inventory, it’s not always affordable, and land costs are rising. Needs and desires are changing - people aren’t only looking for the traditional retirement home anymore, and developers are creating alternative forms of housing. -
(Photo by Will Stone - KJZZ)In our society, aging is often framed as a process of losing independence — giving up your car keys. But technology is beginning to change that narrative. And entrepreneurs across the country and here in the Valley say tech has the potential to revolutionize how we age in the coming decades. -
(Photo by Stina Sieg - KJZZ)Most people think of Alzheimer’s as a disease of old age. But the Alzheimer’s Association estimates there are at least 200,000 Americans under 65 living with it — including one Mesa couple, learning how to navigate life after a devastating diagnosis. -
(Photo by Kathy Ritchie - KJZZ)For many caregivers of people with dementia, grieving a loved one while they’re still alive is not only traumatic, but confusing. But many caregivers are learning to understand this ambiguous loss is changing how caregivers look at life and loss.
Reporting: By Kathy Ritchie, Carrie Jung, Matthew Casey, Rodrigo Cervantes, Annika Cline, Christina Estes, Stina Sieg, Will Stone
Editor: Mark Moran
Digital: Jackie Hai, Jean Clare Sarmiento, Sky Schaudt, Kaleigh Shufeldt
Graphic Design: Amber Favela
Music: Jason Shaw